How can the new port area be fitted out optimally and as sustainably as possible? A good example is the multifunctional outer contour. The outer contour of Maasvlakte 2 is suitable for multiple functions. For example, this seawall serves not only as protection against the sea, but also as the main transport artery for road, rail, cables and pipelines. The seawall moreover provides a place for wind turbines. The zoning plan makes this possible. The south-west and west will get the character of a natural dune landscape with habitats for flora and fauna. The beach further offers opportunities for various kinds of recreation, from a beach for day visitors to a sports beach for horse-riders, surfers and kite-surfers, etc.

Transport, distribution and energyBy considering a sustainable layout in advance, energy is saved and efficiency gained. There are therefore plans to bundle auxiliary and emergency services, such as the fire service, port police and nautical service providers. The transport of energy and other products via a network of pipelines is encouraged: in this way, less transport by road, rail and inland waterway is needed, and there is already an infrastructure that makes it easy for businesses to cluster their activities. Besides this, the Port Authority has taken account of aiming to reduce road traffic right from the design phase. So, good facilities will be provided for inland shipping and rail.

Clustering of businessesIndustrial ecology is central to the sustainable layout of Maasvlakte 2. The clustering of activities, such as chemical industry and container companies, yields environmental gains. Moreover, it is also interesting from a commercial operations viewpoint. Businesses can profit from each other’s nearness, for example by making smart use of each other’s facilities, raw materials, intermediate products and energy systems. Consider here the reuse of residual heat, use of shared pipelines or common waste water purification. The result of clustering implies a reduction of total energy consumption, of the emission of damaging substances and the discharge of cooling water.

Visual qualityA world-class port must also look like one. Maasvlakte 2 wishes to be an attractive environment for its neighbours, visitors, recreational users and workers. This is why room for nature and recreation is being provided in and around the ports. Requirements are also being imposed on the layout of the public spaces in the port and the exterior spaces on industrial sites. In order to give Maasvlakte 2 an attractive appearance, the commercial buildings must fit into the landscape as well as possible as regards shape, use of colour and size. This is referred to as the port’s visual quality. The skyline will feature selective high-rise building. Maasvlakte 2’s whole image must link up with its core values: functional, clean and high-tech. The port is opened to visitors by for example cycle paths with pleasant views of the port area.